CHARLOTTE, NC – Rivals Charlotte Independence and Charleston Battery will battle Saturday night for a place in the knockout stage of the Prinx Tires USL Cup. Here is all you need to know.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, July 11
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Who: Charleston Battery
- Where: Patriots Point (Charleston, SC)
- What We’re Wearing: The Independence will be dressed in their County Kit.
- Watch: ESPN+
Cup Standing
- Charlotte Independence
- USL League One: 9-2-3 (2nd Place – 30 points)
- USL Cup: 8 points, 2nd Place
- Last Time Out: 1-1 draw at AV Alta on July 5
- Charleston Battery
- USL Championship: 8-5-2 (2nd Place – 26 points)
- USL Cup: 8 points, 1st Place
- Last Time Out: 2-0 loss at Indy Eleven on July 4
Another Meaningful Rivalry Game
For the second time this season, the Independence and Battery meet in a massive match – this time in the Prinx Tires USL Cup. The Independence got the better of the Battery in March in the U.S. Open Cup in thrilling fashion. Former Charleston player Viggo Ortiz knifed by Battery defenders in extra time to put Charlotte ahead late and move the Jacks deeper into the tournament.
On Saturday, it’s winner-take-all for Group 6 of the Cup. Here are the group-winning scenarios for the Jacks:
- Charlotte Independence win in regulation vs. Charleston Battery, end on 11pts
- Charlotte Independence win in penalty shootout vs. Charleston Battery, end on 10pts
Should the Independence lose in a shootout and after a high-scoring draw, the Independence could theoretically move on as a wildcard, but the odds are not in their favor.
This meeting will mark the 24th all-time matchup between Charlotte and Charleston, marking another chapter to be written in the history of the Southern Derby.
Jeffries, Alvarez Top June League Awards
The Independence led USL League One’s June awards, as head coach Mike Jeffries and Luis Alvarez were named Coach and Player of the Month. The Jacks finished June flawlessly, winning all four of their matches and continuing their unbeaten streak. Alvarez was a key figure in the three league victories, adding five goals and an assist to claim the Golden Boot lead. The Independence scored 11 goals in three league games, continuing their brilliance in the final third.
Scouting the Battery
Charleston continues to be one of the strongest forces in USL Championship, having lost only one of their last seven matches in all competitions. The Battery took home some individual hardware from June as well, as Emilio Ycaza won USL Championship Player of the Month.
Ycaza recorded two goals and three assists across all competitions to lead Charleston to an undefeated month in which it led the league in goals. It was the second consecutive month the Battery won the award, with Colton Swan winning the vote for May.
Swan has been Charleston’s most potent goalscorer, netting seven goals in league play. Alongside the two winners, Jeremy Kelly, Nathan Messer, and Maalique Foster have all been impactful in the Battery attack.
Familiar Faces
As previously mentioned, Ortiz’s goal completed a full circle moment for the young winger. Ortiz joined Charlotte from Charleston in the offseason after spending two seasons in South Carolina. Ortiz recorded his first professional goal on October 13, 2025 versus Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, becoming the second-youngest goal scorer in Charleston Battery history.
Independence winger Prince Saydee played 15 matches for Charleston in 2024.
The Captain’s Special
Lock in your limited-time Charlotte Independence ticket package featuring two General Admission tickets plus a guaranteed Clay Dimick Bobblehead for just $25.
Only 400 packages are available. Don’t miss out.
